The ticket included my admission to see the stones and to take in the visitor center.

And I got some good information via the prerecorded audio (you get headphones as you step onto the bus) of the landscape surrounding this ancient site.

There are loads of tours to Stonehenge so finding one that gets you some additional information is easy. Just choose the one that’s right for you at a price that works for your budget.

Or you can simply go on your own.

If you have a car and are touring the area, there is parking.

So you can park, get your ticket and take the bus or walk to the stone circle.

I’ll admit I was prepared to be a bit underwhelmed by this site.

I’m always skeptical of the hype.

But it was really cool and truly fascinating.

Some of the massive stones of Stonehenge.

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Stonehenge Cons

With the pros come some cons to Stonehenge.

First of all it can get a bit busy.

I was prepared for it to be more crowded, but I think the Stonehenge folks do try to keep it limited to a certain number of visitors per day.

Still it can get annoying.

You do have to book in advance per the website:

“Entrance to Stonehenge is now managed through timed tickets and advance booking is the only way to guarantee entry on the day and time of your choice. By booking in advance you will also benefit from an advanced booking discount.”

So you can’t just wing it or decide at the last minute.

If you do you may not get to actually see Stonehenge.

The stones of Stonehenge with some of the tourists that were there the day I went.

You’ll have to do a bit of planning in advance.

The tickets are a bit pricey at £16,50.

For a family of 4 this can be a bit much when you add it up.

And it does cost another £5 to park if you are driving yourself.

The biggest minus to Stonehenge is that you can’t get up close and personal with the stones.

There’s a rope that goes around the stones that puts you a good 20-50 yards away depending on which part of the circle you’re viewing it from.

Some of the stones of Stonehenge.

Now there are tours that will allow you access to the “inner circle.”

But they are going to cost you.

However if you’re a die hard ancient stone circle kind of person, then this might be the tour for you.

Avebury Cons

As I mentioned above, while it’s free to see the stone circles it does cost to park and to go into the museum.

It’s £7 to park and the museum and garden ticket is about £10 in summer.

Because I didn’t go into the museum I won’t comment on whether it’s worth it.

However I do think having a really nice visitor center with interpretive displays would be a welcome addition to Avebury.

I think for some folks the biggest con is that the stones are spread out.

A single standing stone in the field with sheep at Avebury.

This can be an issue for those who are not as mobile.

I also think it makes it less impressive in some ways as you don’t see that cluster of large stones all together.

Another con is that there are roads near the stones — like right there.

For some folks this may be a bother as you’ll hear the sounds of traffic.

But it’s not like there are a lot of cars.

So for me it wasn’t an issue.

One last minus is that there aren’t as many tours going to Avebury as Stonehenge.

Not to say that there aren’t any — just that there aren’t as many choices.

Stonehenge is just a bit more popular!

Stones, sheep and the village of Avebury. It is more spread out.

So Stonehenge or Avebury?

If you only had time for one I can’t tell you which one to choose.

They’re different.

Here’s my advice.

If you’re the type of person who wants to see the big, famous landmarks then choose Stonehenge.

If you’re the kind of person who can imagine what things were like way back in 2500BC and wants a more intimate experience then choose Avebury.

Avebury takes some creative thinking and a wild imagination since the stones are spread out.

Yet it is intimate since you can see the stones up close and actually touch them.

If you’re a tactile person then Avebury is for you.

Do you want to be more wowed by big stones clustered closer together?

Then Stonehenge is for you.

Some of the stones of Avebury with the village right there.

And if you can do both…

Then do so.

They’re equally impressive.

And both Stonehenge and Avebury were important to the ancient people of this land.

I also find that it is interesting to compare them.

Both have their upsides

And both have their downsides.

Whatever you decide — if you’re a fan of ancient sites — you can’t go wrong with either one!

Are you ready to visit Avebury or Stonehenge?

Or maybe both? Well I’m ready to lend a hand. Who am I? I’m Lynne Nieman and I’m a personal travel planner helping people like you create your perfect European adventure. Whether you need help planning part or all of your trip, I’m ready to assist you in making your travel dreams come true!